Gaming platform Twitch announced its partnership with nonprofit organization Cxmmunity, to bring the first ever esports league to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This confederation will be the first of its kind in Black institutions. Engadget reports that the HBCU students partaking in the game will be offered scholarships and educational support through the Twitch Student program. The platform will help HBCUs expand their esports curriculums.
“As a graduate of an HBCU and knowing firsthand how we’re underrepresented and just lack the access to get into gaming, I’m excited to be working with Twitch to fulfill our mission in increasing the participation of minorities within these industries and close the digital divide,” said Chris Peay, Community’s Co-founder according to Engadget.
Cxmmunity is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing participation in minority esports via STEAM development, as per their official website. The organization publicized the collaboration on social media, saying, “oh my, what a time to be alive!”
Engadget comments that, currently, more than 200 North American colleges and universities have esports clubs or teams linked to the National Association of Collegiate Esports, Tespa. Only one HBCU, Morehouse College, is listed out of the hundreds represented.
This statement continues to highpoint the racial inequalities in the gaming community between industry professionals and players. Engadget states that while approximately 83% of Black youths play video sports, 68% of video game inventors are white, as per the data provided by the International Game Developers Association.
Cxmmunity and Twitch anticipate to make a “pipeline for Black talent in the esports industry,” the corporations said in a report. A first look into the new HBCU confederation will be aired on August 2, by Twitch through Cxmmunity Twitch channel.
